NEW FAIRFIELD -- When Zachary Staszak instructs clients in indoor cycling at SunAngel Fitness in New Fairfield, the new fitness center he opened with his wife, Natalie, in his mind he might be traveling on Pleasant Ridge, a road in Dover, N.Y., where he has ridden hundreds of times.

"It takes about 15 minutes to climb this mountain. It starts out really steep, so I will have clients slow down their pedal cadence, put on a lot of resistance, and then stand up out of their seat to pedal. After about two to three minutes, the climb levels off so they will take off some resistance, quicken their pedal speed and sit down. Then the group will finish off the climb with a lot of resistance on the pedals," said New Fairfield resident Staszak, 34, who is a triathlete and road cyclist.

SunAngel Fitness, in the former location of Candlewood Cycle & Spin, offers personal training, as well as group instruction on indoor cycling, circuit training and a "6-pack" cycling class that includes exercises to "strengthen the abdominal muscles, obliques and back," said Natalie Staszak, 30, a certified spinning instructor and cross-country coach. "We do crunches, sit-ups, plank and a variety of other mid-section exercises.

"I really enjoy the way Zach coaches us through the workouts in terms of describing what the road would be like outside," said New Fairfield resident Kathy McGroddy Goetz, 49, a vice president at IBM Software Group. "It helps me to visualize and really give my all on each effort. They are also great at letting you know what is coming and encouraging you to push through the harder stuff knowing that you will get a break soon."

McGroddy Goetz, who is training for a marathon, takes classes at SunAngel Fitness to cross train so she'll maintain her cycling fitness for when she competes in triathlons next summer.

"We provide our clients with an intimate community run by a husband and wife team," Natalie Staszak said.

SunAngel Fitness is at 86 Route 37, unit 2, New Fairfield. There will be a grand opening Saturday from 12:30 to 2 p.m., with a ribbon cutting, hors d'oeuvres and raffles. SunAngel Fitness is open by appointment only. Call 475-529-8075 or visit www.sunangelfitness.com.